Contesting

Not all bands enter competitions and there are some which shun the contest stage, preferring to concentrate their efforts in providing music for local events. For most players, though, contesting has always been an important part of brass banding, the reason that they spend so many hours trying to perfect their art. It provides them with the opportunity to test their musical skills against others and, of course, to bring home that silverware.

This section includes brass band contests which have taken place in Cornwall. I doubt that all are here, and there are certainly some results missing, but, over time, it is hoped that it will become a comprehensive record of all Cornish Contests.

 

1891

Newquay Contest

3^rd August 1891

Adjudicator: A Shockleford

 

Test piece: Carmen up to Date / Own choice

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Penzance Independent
2	Stenalees
3	St Dennis
	Nanpean

 

“Six bands entered for the contest on Bank Holiday at Newquay four of whom: Penzance Independent, St. Dennis, Stenalees, and Nepear [Nanpean] — put in an appearance. They formed in procession outside the Red Lion Hotel in Fore-street at noon and marched in front of the Oddfellows and Foresters to the grounds at the other end of the town, where a programme of sixteen items was performed. £50 in prizes was offered for competition. The contest was decided by the rendering of two pieces, one being selected by the competing band, and the other — “Carmen up to date” — by the secretary, Mr. J. F. Mark, of Truro, to whom the success attending the proceedings was largely due. The judge was Mr. A. Shockleford, bandmaster, Royal Welsh Regiment. Refreshments were supplied on the grounds by Mr. T. Beare, of the Daniel’s Arms, Truro. Appended are the awards: l, Penzance band; 2, Stenalees; 3, St. Dennis. … The performances, which were of a most varied character, were successful throughout and thoroughly enjoyed. … “ (RCG Thursday 6^th August 1891)

 

 

1920

1^st Newquay Contest

(Newquay Band)

24^th July 1920

Adjudicator: John Partington, Bolton Corporation MD

 

First section test piece: Reflections of England (William Rimmer) and own choice hymn tune

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Dennis Silver Band (Abide with me)	William Juleff
2	Stenalees & Bugle District Band	J Lennon
3	St Austell Band	G Nicholls

 

Second section test piece A Bouquet of Glees and own choice hymn tune

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Foxhole Band	John Morcom
2	Indian Queens Band	Ford Knight
3	St Newlyn East Band	Lawrence Abram
4	St Columb Town Band	W H Webber
	Wadebridge Town Band	W F Lobb

 

Third section test piece: Maid of Orleans by Michael Laurent and own choice hymn tune

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Columb Band	E J Williams
2	Carharrack Band	J F Bray
3	Fraddon Temperance	Wm Juleff
4	Penwithick Silver Band	T Hancock
	St Minver	F Wills
	Wadebridge Town Band	F W Lobb
	Truro Town Band	L Abram

 

“Favoured with glorious weather Newquay Band contest, on Saturday, proved a decided success. Held in the show field, near the railway station, the enclosure was well laid out and thousands lined it or occupied the seats within, for upwards five hours, during which the fifteen bands performed. There were three entries in the first section, five in the second, and seven in the third section. As usual there were many surprises. Bands that received high places in recent contests, some in practically the same company and playing the same test piece, found themselves very differently placed. … The adjudicator was Mr. John Partington (musical director to Bolton Corporation).  … The adjudicator, at the close of the performance, conducted the massed bands in the march “Lest, forget,” Mr. Partington thanked the committee for giving him the opportunity of visiting Cornwall. The playing the first and second sections, he said, entirely exceeded his anticipations. The third section was somewhat indifferent. The first band in the first section (St. Dennis) undoubtedly gave a fine performance. He also expressed his appreciation at the manner in which the bands played the soft passages.” (26 July 1920 – West Briton and Cornwall Advertiser)

This trophy has been presented to Newquay Old Cornwall Society Museum by Tony Mansell (Photo: Tony Mansell)

 

 

1921

Newquay Contest

(Newquay Band)

23^rd July 1921

Adjudicator: Tom Eastwood

 

Class C test piece: Spirit of Nations

Placed		Conductor	Points
1
2	Greensplat Band	John Morcom
3

 

No report found

 

1922

3^rd Newquay Contest

29^th July 1922

Adjudicator: J C Dyson

 

First Section test piece: Songs of Old England (Hubert Bath)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	St Dennis Silver	Tom Eastwood
2	Mount Charles	J Stubbs

Bass Trombone: Frank Brewer (St Dennis)

Soprano: H Sowell (St Dennis)

Basses: J Tabb, P Trethewey, E Martin, J Docking (St Dennis)

Euphonium: S G Jago (Mount Charles)

 

Second Section test piece: Classic Gems No. 2 (William Rimmer)

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Stenalees Silver	J M Hinchcliffe
2	Foxhole Brass	John Morcom
3	Bugle Silver	Edwin J Williams
4	Truro Town	Tom Hubbard
W	Indian Queens

Cornet: L Mennear (Stenalees)

Horn: Lesley Stanaway (Stenalees)

Trombone: P Whetter (Foxhole)

 

Third Section test piece: Own choice

Placed		Conductor	Points
1	Truro Town	Tom Hubbard
2	Fraddon Temperance	W Weedall
3	Penwithick	H Bennetts
	Greensplat	J Bassett
	St Columb	W H Webber

Cornet: Mr Treganowan (Truro)

Euphonium: W Tremaine (Truro)

 

 

 

 

Compiled by Tony Mansell (Bardh Kernow)